ViolaMania

“Join the party, as the Bay Area's top professional violists come together for an evening of alto clef, viola jokes, and great music to celebrate the rebirth of the Northern California Viola Society. Watch our "viola progressive" onstage, as we attempt to set a new Guinness world record for the largest viola ensemble ever. Violists, please bring your axe and join us.” From Classical at the Freight hosted by the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

 

Oh I went and joined the party alright.  Took my viola too.  I wish I had taken pictures from inside the hall.  This was just the lobby.  Violists were encouraged to bring stuff to read for the potluck and silent auction before the concert.  I made it about 30 minutes before the concert started so the viola jamming was in full swing.  There were several current SFCM violists and a bunch of alumni.  Jodi Levitz, my professor while I was there, rounded us up for some photos.  It was rather difficult to get Charith to stop playing long enough to take a picture. 

The concert was inspiring and hilarious, and the arrangements were really great.  The highlight of the evening was the mass performance of the Telemann Viola concerto by everyone who had brought a viola.  All told, there were just over 100 violists playing.  Apparently, there was a line around the block and they had to turn people away as the venue was already full to capacity.  Who would have thought so many people would show up to hang out with a bunch of violists? 

smgartists managed to get videos up to youtube:

1st movement

2nd movement

3rd movement

4th movement